Where to find your AppleCare status on your device
The fastest way to check is through your device itself. On an iPhone, iPad, or Mac, Apple stores your coverage information in the Settings app, and you can see it in seconds without calling anyone.
On iPhone or iPad, open Settings, then tap General > About. Scroll down to find Limited Warranty or AppleCare. If you have AppleCare+, it will show the expiration date. If you see only "Limited Warranty" with a date, you have the standard one-year coverage that comes free with every device — not AppleCare.
On Mac, click the Apple menu in the top-left corner, select About This Mac, then click System Report. In the window that opens, look for Hardware Overview on the left. Scroll down in the main panel to find warranty information. You may need to click More Info to see the full details.
Key Takeaways
- Check your device's Settings app (iPhone, iPad) or System Report (Mac) to see your exact coverage type and expiration date.
- The standard limited warranty that comes with every Apple device is not the same as AppleCare+ and covers only manufacturing defects.
- Your Apple ID account page shows all AppleCare purchases linked to your account, even if you bought coverage for a device you no longer own.
- If you bought AppleCare in a store or online, Apple can look up your purchase by serial number, device, or the phone number on your account.
Checking through your Apple ID account
Your Apple ID is the master record for all AppleCare purchases. Go to appleid.apple.com and sign in with your Apple ID and password. Click Devices on the left side. You will see a list of every device registered to your account, and next to each one, Apple shows whether AppleCare is active and when it expires.
This method works even if you are checking from a different device or computer. It also shows AppleCare coverage for devices you have already sold or given away, as long as they were registered under your Apple ID when you bought the coverage.
If you share an Apple ID with family members, you will see all devices on that account. If you are unsure which device is yours, look at the device name and the purchase date listed below it.
What the different coverage types mean
Limited Warranty is the free coverage that comes with every new Apple device. It covers manufacturing defects and hardware failures for one year from the date you bought the device. It does not cover accidental damage, water damage, or wear and tear. If your device has a problem within that year, Apple will repair or replace it at no cost if the problem is a manufacturing fault.
AppleCare+ is the paid plan you buy separately. It extends your coverage to two or three years (depending on the device type) and adds accidental damage protection. With AppleCare+, you can get repairs for cracked screens, water damage, and other accidents for a set fee per incident, usually between $29 and $99. AppleCare+ also includes 24/7 phone support and priority service at Apple Stores.
Some devices have device-specific plans. For example, AppleCare+ for Mac includes up to two accidental damage incidents, while AppleCare+ for iPhone includes unlimited incidents. Check your device's coverage details to see exactly what is included in your plan.
If you cannot find your coverage information
If your device does not show warranty information in Settings or System Report, or if you are not sure whether you bought AppleCare, contact Apple Support directly. Go to support.apple.com, select your device type, and choose Contact Us. You can chat with an Apple representative, schedule a call, or visit an Apple Store.
Have your device's serial number ready. You can find it in the same place you looked for warranty information — in Settings > General > About on iPhone or iPad, or in System Report on Mac. Apple can look up your purchase history by serial number, device model, or the phone number associated with your account.
If you bought AppleCare at a retail store like Best Buy or Costco instead of directly from Apple, you may need to contact that store. They can look up your purchase by receipt or by the phone number you provided at checkout. Some retailers keep AppleCare records for several years.
What to do if your AppleCare has expired
If your coverage has ended, you can still buy AppleCare+ on most devices within 60 days of purchase. After 60 days, Apple will not sell you AppleCare+ unless you have your device inspected first to make sure it has no existing damage. The inspection is free, but it is required before you can add coverage to an older device.
To buy AppleCare+ after the initial window, go to support.apple.com, select your device, and look for the option to purchase coverage. You will be asked to answer questions about your device's condition or to schedule an in-store inspection. Once approved, AppleCare+ coverage begins immediately.
Understanding your coverage dates
AppleCare coverage dates are based on the date you purchased the device, not the date you bought the plan. If you bought your iPhone on March 15 and added AppleCare+ on April 1, your coverage still expires on March 15 of the year the plan ends — usually two years later. This matters if you are trying to figure out whether you are still covered.
Your device's Settings app or your Apple ID account page will show the exact expiration date. If you are within a few weeks of expiration and want to keep coverage, you can renew AppleCare+ before it runs out. Apple will send you a reminder email when your coverage is about to end, but do not rely on that email alone — check your device directly to be sure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I check AppleCare status on someone else's device?
Only if you know their Apple ID and password. Coverage is tied to the Apple ID that purchased it, not to the device itself. If someone gave you a device as a gift, ask them to check their own Apple ID account, or contact Apple Support with the device's serial number and they can tell you the coverage status.
What if I lost my device — can I still see if it had AppleCare?
Yes. Sign into your Apple ID account at appleid.apple.com and check the Devices section. It will show all devices ever registered to your account, including ones you no longer own, and whether AppleCare was active on each one. This information stays in your account permanently.
Does AppleCare cover theft or loss?
No. AppleCare+ covers accidental damage and hardware failures, but not theft or loss. If your device was stolen, you would need to file a police report and contact your insurance company if you have device insurance through them. Apple can remotely disable your device using Find My, but AppleCare will not replace it.
If I trade in my device, does AppleCare transfer to the new one?
No. AppleCare is tied to the specific device it was purchased for. When you trade in or sell a device, the coverage ends with it. You would need to buy a new AppleCare+ plan for your new device. Some retailers offer trade-in discounts that can offset the cost of a new plan.